Gene K. Sampson

Gene K. Sampson, age 73, of Stacy, Minnesota, passed away on Wednesday, January 21, 2026. Gene was born on May 23, 1952, in St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin, the son of Kenneth and Marion (Johnson) Sampson. He grew up in Forest Lake, Minnesota, where he proudly graduated from Forest Lake High School, Class of 1970.

Following graduation, Gene began a career as an over-the-road truck driver, a profession he took great pride in. He worked for D&T Trucking for more than 15 years and earned a reputation as a safe, reliable, and trusted driver within the industry. He later continued his career with D&E Trucking and because of his exceptional skill and dependability, Gene was often selected to haul specialized and high-security loads to the Pentagon and NASA. Throughout his entire career of over 40 years, he maintained a perfect safety record, earning multiple safe-driving awards and never having an accident. He decided to retire in 2020.

On November 28, 1982, Gene was united in marriage to Lisa Blatter at Faith Lutheran Church in Forest Lake. Together they started raising their family in Hugo, Minnesota, before moving to Stacy in 1992.

Gene was easy-going and quiet by nature. A hardworking man devoted to providing for his family. He showed his love through consistency, loyalty, and being there when it mattered. One of his greatest joys was taking his children on the road with him, teaching them how to shift gears and appreciate the rhythm of life on the highway. In his free time, he enjoyed watching WWF/WWE wrestling, playing poker with the guys, shooting pool, and working on vehicles. He valued simple pleasures, good company, and the satisfaction of a job well done. Above all, Gene was proud of his family and cherished time spent with them.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Marion Sampson.

He is survived by his loving wife, Lisa Sampson; children, Christina (Corwin) Cantlon, Chantell Sampson, and Eric (Kylie) Sampson; grandchildren, Josephine Cantlon and James Cantlon; siblings, Jerry (Kathy) Sampson, Bruce Sampson, and Michael (Eva) Sampson; along with several nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who will miss him dearly.

A funeral service will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at Mattson Funeral Home, 343 North Shore Drive, Forest Lake, Minnesota. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.